A warning to level-crossing users has been issued by Network Rail after a cyclist was almost hit by a High-Speed train near Canterbury.
The train, operated by Southeastern was travelling at around 80mph. The train was on a journey from Margate to London St Pancras when the bike went over the Dog Kennel foot crossing in Chartham.
The train driver sounded the horn and applied the emergency brake. The train came to a stop beyond the crossing which links Ashford Road in Chartham to the wetland open space on the other side of the railway line.
Back in August, footage showed similar incidents near Sevenoaks in Kent.
Last year there were 323 near-misses with non-vehicle users of level crossings with 2 fatalities.
Fiona Taylor, Network Rail's Route Director for Kent, said: “This shocking incident near Canterbury is part of a small but concerning rise in such incidents in recent months and the impact had the train hit this cyclist could have been devastating to all involved. We all want to enjoy the outdoors, but I'd ask people to be vigilant when they are anywhere near the railway and always to Stop, Look and Listen before they cross.”
Jim Maxwell, Head of Drivers for Southeastern, added: “Our drivers don't deserve the extra stress that these types of incidents cause.
“Reckless trespass incidents can have a profound effect on our drivers' mental health and are further compounded if the driver has been unfortunate enough to have been previously involved in a fatality, with the potential to cause flashbacks.
“It often means that the drivers have to take time off whilst they recover, and are supported through their ordeal.
“I fully support our colleagues at Network Rail and the British Transport Police in trying to identify and pursue the culprits.”
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Saw it on Facebook and I was completely shocked. Why do we have such stupid people. Railways are still classed as dangerous because of trains and whether it’s not electrified or is electrified with AC 25,000 OHLE or DC 750v 3rd Rail and 4th Rail used on the London Underground.
Lack of personal awareness is of the age: People are so obsessed with their smartphones, stereos, tweeting, twittering, blogging etc, they become oblivious to all around them. Add to that the death-wish of some cyclists (the evidence is there!) and we have this sort of irresponsible behaviour. Sad.
This is not an incident of tresspass. Looks to me like a sheduled public footpath and any member of the public is by law entitled to cross the railway here. It is for the user to look out for their own safety and so long as the level crossing meets with the requirements Network Rail have met with their duty of care. If there are concerns then there are remedies available, minature red green lights or a bridge. This blanket desire to close crossings and in some areas by stealth and inappropriate legislation will inevitibly lead to denial of the public’s human rights let alone breach Highway Act etc. laws. As long as the public/user takes the neccesary care, crossing the railway is far safer than crossing any public highway.
Well said…I fully agree.
Same. Well said.
So many people doing dangerous things and stunts because they can’t see or hear the trains coming. I think this is going to continue until the government allows to close level crossings and put more footbridges. It’s their responsibility.
Absolutely not. The cyclist wore a hi-viz vest so, presumably, he was sight and hearing aware on roads. Just couldn’t be bothered to Stop, Look and Listen. Nanny State is pervasive enough without having to close crossings.
That is absolutely correct, people jump over the top of level crossings they are that stupid, so introducing anymore nanny state controls is a complete no no.
I absolutely agree with you. 👍